New York is having a stellar start this season.

Racking up wins and keeping in steps with multiple playoff or title contending teams.

For the first time in years, the Knicks are looking like a legit tough team that their die-hard fans get behind in.

And the management certainly recognizes it, (surprising right?), with New York sitting as the eighth seed in the East with 11-14 record under their belt and with a potential all-star in Julius Randle leading the way, they made a big trade that is set to make an impact on the team.

The Knicks traded away former first-round pick Dennis Smith Jr and a 2021 second-round pick to Detroit for veteran guard Derrick Rose.

This trade will be the second run of the youngest MVP in NBA history with New York.

In his initial run with the Knicks, who have missed the playoffs for seven-consecutive seasons, Rose played 64 games, the most games he has played in a season since being traded from Chicago and averaged 18.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists.

Despite teaming up with Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porziņģis, New York still missed the 2017 Playoffs with a 31-51 record.

Now, heading into his second stint donning the blue and orange jersey, the 32-year-old veteran is looking like a piece that could elevate the Knicks into an actual tough, competitive playoff squad.

Rose has been productive this season, averaging 14.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.2 steals in 22.8 minutes of playing time in 15 games that he’s played.

His best game of the season was when he dropped 23 points with four assists, four steals on 8 of 12 shooting from the field to take the W away from the Heat.

But other than his on-court impact, Rose has also been serving as a mentor to the seventh-pick of the recent 2020 draft Killian Hayes.

New York on the other hand has been enjoying their success, Randle is averaging All-Star numbers of 22.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists in 47.0% shooting from the field, RJ Barrett is showing brilliance in his sophomore year with 17.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.1 assist while Elfrid Payton is serving as a decent floor general with 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists under his name.

Immanuel Quickley has been low-key impressive as well with 12.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists averages and Mitchell Robinson is averaging 8.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.6 blocks.

Now with the addition of Rose, the Knicks may have found the piece they need to get to the next step. They already have the talent and the youth but what they don’t have is a leader.

The oldest player in the New York squad is Taj Gibson, but the addition of Rose should help players like Randle develop their leadership skills.

Younger guards like Quickley, Payton, Frank Ntilikina and even Barrett will have a mentor that can teach them how to become an effective guard with and without the ball in their hands.

New York will not only have a leader that can still be productive but as well as another “assistant coach” like as he can help them become a better team under the system of Tom Thibodeau.

The Knicks are certainly looking to make a big impact this season and it’s a sight that makes things very exciting in the Garden.

What do you think about this piece? Do you think Rose can have a big impact in NYK? Sound off in the comment section!